One Health in action: Norway and Ethiopia strengthen cooperation on biosafety and biosecurity

How can we prevent the spread of high-consequence infectious diseases and ensure that infectious materials are handled safely and appropriately? This was the focus of a five-day advanced training course held at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in Addis Ababa from 12–16 October 2026.

29 laboratory professionals from public health and veterinary institutions across Ethiopia participated in the training.
29 laboratory professionals from public health and veterinary institutions across Ethiopia participated in the training. 

The training was organised by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in collaboration with the One Health Milk project at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. A total of 29 laboratory professionals from public health and veterinary institutions across Ethiopia participated. The training aimed to strengthen participants' knowledge and skills in biosafety, biosecurity, and disease preparedness through a train-the-trainer approach.  

Girum Tadesse Tessema from the NVI's section of biohazard gives a presentation.
Girum Tadesse Tessema from the NVI's section of biohazard gives a presentation.

Topics included how to work safely with high-risk pathogens, assess risks, use protective equipment, transport infectious samples, and manage laboratory incidents. The participants also took part in practical exercises and discussions, sharing knowledge and experiences throughout the programme. 

The collaboration strengthened the involvement of the veterinary sector and strongly promoted the awareness of the “One Health” concept.
The collaboration strengthened the involvement of the veterinary sector and strongly promoted the awareness of the “One Health” concept.

NVI contributed through Girum Tadesse Tessema from the institute's section of biohazard. He shared NVI's experience and expertise in international cooperation, safe transport and handling of infectious samples, and biosafety and biosecurity in the field. He also highlighted the importance of applying biosafety and biosecurity in a One Health setting, recognising the close links between human, animal and environmental health. 

Participants working in groups at the training.
The participants took part in practical exercises and discussions, sharing knowledge and experiences throughout the programme. 

The collaboration strengthened the involvement of the veterinary sector and strongly promoted awareness of the “One Health” concept. 

Building capacity through collaboration

The training demonstrates how cooperation between NVI, NIPH, EPHI, and other Ethiopian partners can help strengthen biosafety and biosecurity. By sharing knowledge and experience across human and animal health sectors, the partners are contributing to better disease preparedness and a stronger One Health approach in Ethiopia.

The training was organised by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in collaboration with the One Health Milk project at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.
The training was organised by NIPH in collaboration with the One Health Milk project at the NVI.